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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Juicy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes), beautifully flavoured with red onion, parsley, a hint of mint and dried oregano.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course main
Cuisine Greek
Servings 5 meatballs
Calories 513 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 red onion grated
  • 500 g beef mince (or lamb!)
  • 200 g pork mince (or more beef)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or use normal)
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 6 large mint leaves finely chopped (spearmint if possible)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper

Cooking / Serving

  • ½ cup flour any white
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • finely chopped parsley optional, for garnish
  • Tzatziki or Greek yoghurt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grate the onion straight into a large bowl, then add remaining Meatball ingredients. Use your hands to mix well for a few minutes until the mixture is quite smooth and very well combined.
  • Optional: Refrigerate for 1 hour – makes them easier to roll + retains round shape when cooking.
  • Measure out heaped tablespoons and dollop onto a work surface – should make around 32 – 35. Then roll into balls.

Cooking

  • Heat most of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat (medium if you have a strong gas stove). Use enough oil to cover the surface of the skillet.
  • Cook in 2 to 3 batches: Dredge meatballs lightly in flour, shaking off excess, then place in the skillet. Roll them around and cook for 5 – 6 minutes, until nicely browned all over. Remove onto plate, cover to keep warm and repeat with remaining meatballs.
  • BAKING: Alternatively, spray generously with oil (preferably olive oil) then bake at 180C/350F for 20 minutes or until browned. The pan frying method is the traditional way and the meatballs are slightly juicier.
  • Serve as a starter as part of a mezze platter with pita bread and tzatziki, or make dinner plates by adding a salad like a Greek Salad!

Notes

These freeze extremely well, and when reheated they are still nice and bouncy i.e. juicy!

Nutrition

Serving: 185gCalories: 513kcal
Keyword Dinner, Easy Recipe, Greek cuisine, Greek Meatballs, Keftedes, meatballs
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